It’s hard to believe in yourself. It’s terrifying to try. We’re all scared of what it will feel like if we try and fail, but when we do that, we’re ignoring just how great it will be if we try and succeed. Not even succeed all the way, just advance, progress, and make our lives better than they were before. Little successes like that are what pride is built out of.

They’re also what big successes are built out of. If you are relentless in your pursuit of your goals, your successes will add up. They’ll outnumber your failtures, and they’ll start turning into something that looks like a big success. Human will is an awesome force: it’s changed the course of rivers, ended empires, and sent human beings to the moon. If humans can collectively do such awesome things, just think about what you could do if you actually committed to trying instead of wasting your time doubting.

Readiness is composed of the structures you use to build your life. It’s rhythms, habits, and awarenesses that allow you to maximize opportunities.

You want to start working out every day? Know yourself, know when you are most likely to work out, know when you’re most likely to crap out and be lazy, and be honest and it. Know what your goal is. Give yourself a concrete objective: I have to work out four times a week. I will lose twenty pounds. I’m join to make sure every desk clerk at this gym knows me by name. When you know where you’re going it’s easier to get there.

Find ways to love working out. Play music; make friends; flirt; don’t use the machine you think you’re suppose to use, use the one that makes you happiest. Any working out is better than no working out, and if you give yourself a positive feedback loop, you’re going to create better habits. And stay positive, remind yourself constantly how achievable your goal is, and seek out situations that will help you on your path. Luck isn’t random chance; it’s work.